Independent Veterinarians Can Compete With Corporate Hospitals
Chicago, Illinois (PRWEB) March 31, 2014 -- Allison Morris, Vice President of Member Experience at the Veterinary Cooperative, walked into the Chicago based Blum Veterinary Hospital on March 26, 2014 with great news. One of Chicago’s oldest and most recognized veterinary hospitals was handed its first of many dividend payouts from The Veterinary Cooperative. Ms. Morris personally handed off the check worth $9,493.59 directly to Dr. Robert Dann, Dr. Julia Georgesen, and Dr. Natalie Marks, owners of Blum Animal Hospital. After hearing the news of how large the first payout was, Dr. Dann was “surprised to receive such a check of this magnitude.”
Dr. Julia Georgesen is an engaged early member of TVC's purchasing group. “I like that I’m not pressured to buy anything,” Said Georgesen. “Everything that is offered by TVC our Hospital is currently using or was considering switching.”
Richard Morris, CEO Of the Cooperative, said, “The Veterinary Cooperative offers its members name brands at discounted prices due to their ability to approach pharmaceutical companies, equipment manufacturers, and others in the same way large corporate hospitals do. Although member/owners are not required to buy from our vendor partners most support the vendors that partner with TVC. Our members understand that vendors that partner with TVC are supporting the Independent Veterinarian and are helping them to grow their business.”
The typical TVC member received a check for $1,000. “Many of our members had no idea the check was coming this soon,” said Allison Morris. Dr. Laura Betts of Parkdale Animal Hospital in Manistee Michigan was one of those members. By joining the cooperative Dr. Betts said, “It really gives the 'little guy' buying power. I order the same products in the same amounts as I always have - there are no minimums or requirements of any kind on purchases. I've been very impressed with the programs TVC has put together, but if one doesn't appeal to me I'm not required to participate - it's my choice. The management of TVC is very accessible and is really working for the members. In the last year I've seen incredible growth in the number and scope of the programs offered.” Dr. Betts was also quick to point out that not only does TVC negotiate lower prices, they also issue dividend checks. “On top of the discounts I enjoy every day I received my first rebate check - a very small practice buying what I normally would buy in the amounts I would normally buy and my rebate checks for over $800.”
Dr. Dann first met Allison Morris in December 2012 at the Chicago Veterinary Medical Association. It was there that Allison begged the question to Dr. Dann: “Do you feel your Animal Hospital can compete with corporate medicine, big-box pet stores and online pharmacies?” The answer from most veterinarians is “no.” And that is exactly why the Veterinary Cooperative began: to combine thousands of independent veterinary hospitals and clinics together to compete with corporate veterinary hospitals. After Allison explained that typical TVC members save between 5% and 50% which result in a yearly increase of profits between $10,000 and $30,000, Dr. Dann thought that it “looked like a good opportunity for my Hospital to save money.”
As the check was being handed off to Blum Animal Hospital Dr. Dann asked CEO Morris if he know when they had first met. “It was at your house, your father was my Scout Master,” he explained to Morris. Richard was only 7 at the time.
The Veterinary Cooperative is experiencing explosive growth. TVC adds one new Veterinary Hospital or clinic per business day on average. VP of TVC Allison Morris said, “Veterinarians are really feeling the squeeze from corporate veterinary hospitals, and online pharmacies. As the veterinary industry is experiencing rapid consolidation, independent hospitals and clinics are finally banding together to compete directly with the corporate engines for pricing on veterinary supplies.” She added, “I’m just excited that just about a year after we started we’re already issuing rebate checks in the form of dividends to our members. This is a major milestone for The Veterinary Cooperative.”
If you own your own practice and believe that corporate hospitals and online pharmacies get to negotiate lower rates than you, why not consider joining a group buying cooperative like The Veterinary Cooperative? They’re so accessible you can even call the CEO Rich Morris at 847-328-3096 if you have questions. Or you can sign up directly on their site at http://www.tvc.coop/join.php. What will you save?
Nick McCart, The Veterinary Cooperative, http://www.tvc.coop, 1.323.813.8013, [email protected]
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